Hiking, camping, or going on an outing — one essential item is a backpack. A good backpack not only makes you feel refreshed and energetic, but also enables you to carry many items, frees your hands, and maintains body balance, making your trip safer and more comfortable. Yet, choosing a backpack that suits you from the many available in various sizes and styles is not so easy. Having some basic knowledge about backpacks can help you embark on your journey safely and comfortably.
1. Backpack Material — More Than Just the "Face"
Currently, the most commonly used materials for backpacks are "nylon" and "Cordura." While canvas is more abrasion-resistant, it tends to absorb moisture, dries slowly when wet, and is relatively heavy, so it is now rarely used. Nylon is lighter, does not absorb moisture or get moldy, dries quickly, and has decent strength. Its downside is that it is not very abrasion-resistant and is flammable. Cordura is also a type of synthetic nylon fabric, but it outperforms nylon in terms of abrasion resistance and strength. It also does not absorb moisture, get moldy, or stick to snow, and dries quickly, though it is slightly heavier than nylon.
2. Capacity — More Than Just How Much It Can Hold
Capacity is a key factor in choosing a backpack. If the capacity is too small, you'll have to hang items outside, which is cumbersome and increases the risk of losing things. If the capacity is too large, the backpack may not pack tightly, and the movement of gear inside can affect your balance while walking. Therefore, when selecting backpack capacity, the first step is to establish your personal gear list.
Some gear used during hiking, such as raincoats, warm clothing, and sleeping bags, does not diminish over time, and their size and weight remain relatively stable. However, food and fuel are consumables that decrease as your trip progresses. The quantity of such items greatly impacts backpack capacity. Some backpacks now feature "flexible capacity" designs, allowing them to remain tightly packed even after several days of use, making them suitable for different types of activities. Generally speaking, medium and small-sized backpacks do not require this feature, and it's not commonly designed for them. If you need to adjust capacity, you can do so by adding side pockets or adjusting compression side straps.
3. The Backpack Suspension System — The Skeleton of the Backpack
The backpack suspension system doesn’t completely solve the problem of backpack weight. Its main function is to distribute the load evenly across different parts of the body, preventing the weight from being concentrated on the shoulders. Additionally, it provides a way to adjust the center of gravity, improving balance and safety while moving. Medium and large backpacks usually build their suspension systems around a frame, which can be either external or internal.
External Frame Backpacks: These backpacks secure the bag to a rigid frame (most commonly made of aluminum), with tightened nylon shoulder straps and hip belts. This type of backpack has a higher center of gravity, typically at or above shoulder level. While this high center of gravity design isn't ideal for situations requiring high balance, it offers more comfort on flat terrain. These backpacks also make it easier to pack and access items and allow the weight to be shared between the shoulders and hips. Since external frame backpacks use a frame for support, they offer excellent ventilation for your back.
In certain situations, the frame can become quite inconvenient: for example, when navigating dense forests or bamboo thickets, the backpack can easily get caught or snagged; during climbing or skiing, the sudden shift in center of gravity can lead to loss of balance. In short, external frame backpacks are better suited for long treks on flat terrain.
Internal Frame Backpacks: These have a slightly lower center of gravity, generally adjustable between the shoulder and hip area. They are suitable for climbing situations that require maintaining balance, as they prevent the backpack from swinging at shoulder height.
4. Choosing a Backpack — Tailored to the Individual and Environment
The adjustment range of the shoulder straps must match the length of your back to ensure the center of gravity falls in the optimal position. The hip belt must fit securely over your hip bones. When wearing the backpack, you should still be able to see your hips and legs from behind — this is especially important for shorter women. Avoid situations where all you can see from behind is the backpack and your lower legs, as this is both incorrect and dangerous.
Before purchasing a backpack, loosen all the adjustment straps and add some weight, because without weight, you can’t truly assess how the backpack feels or whether the adjustment range is suitable. After putting on the backpack, check if the internal aluminum stays align with the curve of your back. If not, see if the stays can be bent. If they can, they will naturally conform to your back’s shape over time. The connection point between the shoulder straps and the backpack should sit 5–8 cm below your shoulders, and the gap between the straps and the backpack should be minimal. The chest strap adjusts the width of the shoulder straps across your chest, positions them comfortably, and prevents the backpack from swaying. Using these adjustment straps and packing techniques properly, you can distribute the weight between your shoulders and hips, allowing different muscle groups to share the load.
Once the backpack is adjusted to the most comfortable position, check your line of sight — can you look up without hitting the top of the backpack? Can you still see the sky while wearing a helmet? Is the part of the backpack that touches your back comfortable and breathable? Also pay special attention to the width and quality of the padding on the shoulder and hip straps.
Additionally, here are some other details to keep in mind:
Does it have a double-layer base design? This feature can significantly extend the life of the backpack.
Are there drag loops or ice axe loops? For multi-day hikes, does the backpack have a flexible capacity design?
Are there compression side straps? When you reduce gear, these can tighten the backpack to reduce its capacity and prevent gear from shifting and affecting your balance.
Does it have convenient features for carrying crampons, sleds, snowshoes, or trekking poles?
Are there removable side pockets? This feature allows for greater flexibility in backpack capacity.
Does the backpack have a chest strap? This helps prevent the backpack from moving on difficult or rugged terrain.
If the backpack is intended for climbing or use in dense forests, choose one with a smooth exterior to avoid getting caught on branches or rocks. The backpack fabric should be sturdy and abrasion-resistant to better suit outdoor activities. Will the zippers bear direct stress? If so, what is their stress limit? And if a zipper fails, can the backpack still be used?
5. Packing Your Backpack — There's a Lot to Consider
Poor packing affects convenience, comfort, shifts the center of gravity, or even damages the backpack. Therefore, aside from sorting items by purpose, pay attention to two things when packing:
First, maintain left-right balance and a stable center of gravity. Second, ensure easy access to items.
Here are some packing principles:
1. Place heavier items in the middle to upper part and as close to your back as possible. This keeps the center of gravity near your back, avoiding the feeling of being pulled backward. Lighter, bulkier items can go at the bottom, as they don’t affect the center of gravity. Moreover, having heavier items on top will help compact the backpack over time.
2. Do not place hard items against your back. If you're using an internal-frame backpack, they will press directly against your back, causing discomfort and even potential injury if you fall. With an external-frame backpack, the hard items are only separated from the backpack's frame by a thin layer of fabric, which can easily wear through.
3. Distribute the weight of items placed on either side of the backpack evenly to avoid shifting the center of gravity to one side. Rain gear, drinking water, and items needed for the day should be placed at the top or in the most accessible areas.
4. Adopt the concept of categorized storage bags: keep similar or frequently used items together in the same bag for easier access, especially small, loose items.
5. Develop the habit of keeping items in designated spots: this not only makes packing faster but also allows you to find what you need even in the dark.
6. Try different packing methods to minimize unnecessary external hanging items, as these can affect mobility and safety, and are not aesthetically pleasing.
VI. Putting On and Taking Off the Backpack—There’s Technique Involved
Putting on and taking off a large backpack are basic skills for using one.
Common ways to put on a backpack include: standing in a lunge position, grasping the shoulder straps with both hands, and lifting the backpack onto the thigh of the front leg. First, slide one arm through a shoulder strap to support the backpack with that shoulder, then quickly bring the other arm through the other strap to complete the process.
Another common method is to drag the backpack to a higher position so that you can squat slightly and slide both arms through the shoulder straps at the same time. Once you stand up, the backpack is on.
After putting the backpack on, don’t rush to move. Adjust the various straps appropriately to achieve the most comfortable carrying position before setting off.
Taking off the backpack is the reverse process. Always set it down gently; dropping it heavily can easily damage the backpack.
The second method of putting on the backpack is not only more energy-efficient, but also allows you to take short breaks without removing the backpack. During breaks, we often lean the large backpack against a higher spot by the roadside, making it convenient to put on or take off without fully removing it.
Choosing a Backpack
▲ Functional Design. Consider the type of backpack suspension system used and for what kind of activity or intensity level it is designed. (Different brands have their own suspension systems, including those suitable for extreme mountaineering and long treks, as well as regular hiking and travel backpacks.)
▲ Backpack Size. The backpack’s frame should be 2–4 inches (about 5–10 cm) higher than your shoulders, and the top pocket should not extend more than 5 or 6 inches (about 12–15 cm) above the shoulders; otherwise, choose a different backpack. When wearing the backpack, the center point of the waist belt should sit at your hip bones, with the ends of the lumbar pad not too close to each other and any non-padded areas not rubbing against your stomach. Avoid waist belts that are too tight. Adjust the shoulder strap anchor points so the curve of the shoulder straps fits closely against your back. The shoulder straps should sit about 2–3 inches (about 5–7.5 cm) below the tops of your shoulders, and when you grip the ends of the shoulder straps, your fists should be below your armpits. Your head should not hit the top of the backpack, nor should it obstruct helmet use. The chest strap must help you manage difficult terrain.
▲ Detail Design. Check whether the bottom of the backpack has a double layer for added durability. The top extension pocket should allow further upward extension and be sealable. The compression straps on the outside of the backpack should help reduce its volume and prevent swinging. Side pockets should be easy to attach and detach. The backpack should have attachment loops and ice axe loops for carrying crampons, snowshoes, and other gear. Ensure the backpack’s durability meets your needs. Consider whether it can still be used if the zippers fail.
▲ Stitching Strength. This includes stitching for shoulder straps, waist belts, and the main body; the lid and main body; handles and the main body; seams between fabric sections; and the attachment of external straps to the body. (Key areas generally have multiple layers of stitching for added security.)
▲ Accessory Quality. Accessories include waist buckles, all zippers, shoulder and chest strap buckles, lid and body fasteners, and external strap attachments. (These parts are used repeatedly, so they must be fatigue-resistant, not brittle or cracked in cold conditions, and sturdy and reliable.)
▲ Fabric Selection. Take into account factors such as abrasion resistance, waterproofing technology, fabric weight, tear resistance, softness, and UV protection. (Tear-resistant fabrics are often grid-patterned; most backpacks are not inherently waterproof and require a rain cover; abrasion-resistant materials are usually used on the bottom of the backpack, where it contacts the ground and rocks the most.)